by Izzy Gentry
Join us as we tackle today's most challenging cultural conversations. Whether you're a parent, volunteer, leader, or friend, we'll guide you on how to approach difficult topics with confidence and compassion. It’s easy to feel unprepared, but with these practical insights, you’ll gain the tools to lead and disciple in a way that fosters lasting healing and growth. Our goal is to help you move beyond quick fixes and work toward meaningful, long-term impact. Thank you for your commitment to deepening your discipleship and making a real difference.
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6/5/2023
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September 4, 2024
<p>Understanding Secondary Trauma: A Hidden Challenge</p><p>In our interconnected world, the effects of trauma are not confined to those who experience it directly. Secondary trauma, also known as vicarious trauma or compassion fatigue, can significantly impact those who support or are closely involved with trauma survivors. This phenomenon, while less visible, is an important area of concern for caregivers, first responders, mental health professionals, and even those who offer emotional support to friends and family in distress.</p><p><br></p><p>What is Secondary Trauma?</p><p>Secondary trauma occurs when an individual, through their exposure to others’ traumatic experiences, develops symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can manifest in various ways, including emotional exhaustion, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of helplessness or irritability. Unlike primary trauma, which involves direct exposure to a traumatic event, secondary trauma results from indirect exposure, often through listening to or witnessing the trauma experienced by others.</p><p><br></p><p>Symptoms and Impact</p><p>The symptoms of secondary trauma can closely resemble those of PTSD and may include:</p><p>Intrusive Thoughts: Recurrent, distressing thoughts about the trauma experienced by others.</p><p>Emotional Numbness: Difficulty feeling emotions or experiencing a sense of detachment from others.</p><p>Hypervigilance: Increased anxiety and heightened alertness to potential threats.</p><p>Avoidance: Steering clear of situations, conversations, or reminders associated with the trauma.</p><p>Exhaustion: Emotional and physical fatigue that can affect one’s ability to perform daily tasks and responsibilities.</p><p>These symptoms can impact personal relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life. Over time, secondary trauma can lead to burnout, depression, and a diminished capacity to effectively support others.</p><p><br></p><p>Who is at Risk?</p><p>Certain individuals are more susceptible to secondary trauma, including:</p><p>Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and therapists who regularly work with trauma survivors.</p><p>First Responders: Police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel who encounter traumatic situations on the job.</p><p>Social Workers: Professionals who assist individuals and families in crisis situations.</p><p>Family and Friends: Loved ones who offer support to individuals dealing with trauma.</p><p>Volunteers: People involved in crisis response or advocacy work.</p><p><br></p><p>Strategies for Coping and Prevention</p><p>Addressing secondary trauma involves proactive self-care and support strategies. Here are some effective approaches:</p><p>Self-Care: Engage in regular self-care practices, including exercise, hobbies, and relaxation techniques to maintain emotional and physical well-being.</p><p>Boundaries: Set clear boundaries to separate professional responsibilities from personal life. Learn to say no when necessary and avoid overextending yourself.</p><p>Supervision and Support: Seek regular supervision or consultation to process your experiences and emotions. Peer support groups and professional counseling can also provide valuable outlets.</p><p>Education: Stay informed about the signs and symptoms of secondary trauma. Understanding what you’re experiencing can help in recognizing and addressing it early.</p><p><br></p><p>Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other stress-reduction techniques to manage anxiety and maintain emotional balance.</p><p>Work-Life Balance: Prioritize a healthy balance between work and personal life to prevent burnout. Ensure you have time to disconnect and recharge.</p><p>Seeking Help</p><p><br></p><p>If you or someone you know is struggling with secondary trauma, seeking help is crucial. Mental health professionals can provide support and strategies tailored to individual needs. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance—addressing secondary trauma is a vital step in ensuring the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to helping others.</p><p><br></p><p>Conclusion</p><p>Secondary trauma is a serious issue that affects many individuals who are exposed to the suffering of others. Recognizing the signs and implementing effective coping strategies can help manage its impact and maintain overall well-being. By addressing secondary trauma with compassion and proactive measures, we can better support those who are on the front lines of trauma recovery and ensure they receive the care they need.</p><p>Remember, taking care of yourself is not just beneficial for you—it enhances your ability to support and care for others effectively.</p>
August 8, 2024
<p>Being in the crisis management industry for over a decade often has its benefits in handling hard issues. However, the one thing I often forget is that not everyone knows the basic liability concerns covered within liability insurance. Knowing your weaknesses can only strengthen your body.</p><p>Let's jump right in because there is a lot to cover.</p><p><br></p><p>Mobility:</p><p>-Mobility is not isolated to transportation </p><p>If you plan to meet in a different room, building, or location make sure to over-communicate. Nothing is more alarming than a frantic parent who alarms other parents about not knowing where their child is. </p><p>-Forms Protect You/ Communication Protects Families </p><p>It does not matter if you plan to drive 10 seconds or 10 hours you must have disclosure and liability waivers. Communicate arrivals/departures and give multiple contacts in case you are tied up and can't answer a parent.</p><p>-Give yourself a 10-business-day rule if you don’t have 10 days you shouldn’t be doing the event. Harmful liability usually occurs out of "lack of time." Always Pre-mortem think about all matters that could go wrong and plan accordingly. </p><p>-Never Assume. Just because it sounds like common sense does not mean that attendees will be able to process accordingly. Be as specific as possible using a Sherlock Holmes level of detail and instruction sharing.</p><p><br></p><p>Media:</p><p>-Live Stream is still media (post signs visible at exit and entrances.) Not everyone knows your services are live-streamed or recorded. Make sure you give appropriate (courtesy) awareness. Even if you are in a single-party consent state it is better to be transparent. </p><p>-Photography / Videography Never use personal phones always use a designated phone or media flash drive that stays on-premise. This is important because there could be crises, child photos, or evidence that needs to be secured. If it is on a personal device or leaves the premises it can no longer be "without a doubt" protected from tampering or unauthorized use. </p><p>-Drones/ Surveillance/ Audio Files: Know your state laws when using particular media. Drones should take into consideration any private properties in their shots, this could be a felony.</p><p>[Government Code Section 423.003 makes it an offense to use a UAV to record a person or privately owned property with the intent to conduct surveillance. If you capture an image with intent to conduct surveillance and your activity is not exempted under the law, you could face a Class C Misdemeanor offense]</p><p>Know if your state is a one-party recording state. </p><p>Know that in all areas you record on surveillance you also are accountable for even if you "missed" noticing a concern.</p><p><br></p><p>Family Engagement:</p><p>-At-Will Engagement VS Surrender Engagement. Liability for injury, while parents are responsible, will fault to negligence of the parent unless of lack of signage in an unsafe environment. So again never skip the signage.</p><p>-Signage Is Life </p><p>-Indoor VS Outdoor: Read your liability to be very sure of the protection of external (parking lot) liability as well as events off-premise. Sometimes events call for separate liability insurance.</p><p>-Medical Care and Access: Make sure you have first aid kits easily accessible. make sure fire extinguishers are visible and lit.</p><p>-Access To Hydration: If you are having any event outdoors or with physical activity have water accessible. Even if it is an ACTIVE water fountain. Even if you tell parents to send a water bottle have a case on hand. </p><p>-When In Doubt Always Report: Better to be safe and have a higher-up acknowledge a concern at an event. These could be signs of trafficking or abuse that need mandatory reporting.</p><p>On Location Signage/ Doors</p><p>-Even If You See No One It’s Never Worth The Risk. Whether it is a wet floor, a faulty piece of equipment or a storage room use signage. Document the day it was put up and photograph it.</p><p>-Lock All Doors That Are Not Necessary To Be Opened </p><p>-Set Access Alerts </p><p>-Log Keys and Doors Opened </p><p>-Place No Access Signs</p><p><br></p><p>Public WI-FI:</p><p>Your Crisis Management plan should include protection for cyber security.</p><p>-Isolate IoT devices these would be your thermostats, security cameras, and smart TVs, separated from your main network </p><p>-Configure the guest Wi-Fi separated subnet (segregated) and use WPA2, (this is a security protocol that uses encryption to secure networks.) </p><p>-For large groups of guests who need wireless access, create a user login portal. </p><p>-Specify your bandwidth limitations and policies by individual user or group. Give very little bandwidth per user account. There should only be enough bandwidth for email, this is more than sufficient. </p><p>-Invest in a separate router for guest Wi-Fi access.</p><p><br></p><p>Mandatory Reporting: </p><p>Times to call 911 and any available NGO's who can assist on-site. Build relationships with NGO's.</p><p>THREAT-</p><p>To Bodily Harm-Including Self</p><p>Acknowledge: PTSD/Veteran</p><p>INJURY-</p><p>Physical Abuse</p><p>Many states provide an exception to the definition of medical neglect for parents who choose not to seek medical care for their children due to religious beliefs.</p><p>NEGLECT</p><p>Non-Visibal-</p><p>SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Pregnant moms on substances, children with access to substances, parents using kids for access to medications, etc.</p><p>SEXUAL ABUSE: Change in behavior or a disclosure</p><p>EMOTIONAL ABUSE: Change in behavior or disclosure</p><p>HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Referring to an individual as Master etc, carrying large amounts of cash, a boyfriend who carries her wallet/phone/personal belongings, personal high-end gifts that seem out of character.</p><p><br></p><p>Social Media and Gaming:</p><p>-NO ACCESS on trips and overnight stays: there are privacy issues for other families' children as well as the individual. Also, a child being trafficked or abused will not be able to adapt well without a phone. It can be a good test for cause of concern.</p><p>-Shared Locations: students can share locations with unwanted guests, buyers, or transportation </p><p>-Unplanned Visitors: Never assume you know a child's lifestyle or make assumptions based on the family identity </p><p>-Never should Volunteers/Leaders be “chatting” with students directly (Document Appointments)</p><p><br></p>
August 2, 2024
<p>As a strategist, I have worked with many political teams across our great nation. I often find that regardless of State or City the problems look and sound the same. I deal with crisis management so I am going to focus on in-party conflict.</p><p>When we do not anticipate conflict we will react instead of respond.</p><p>We have to be focused on finding solutions not expressing feelings. Being active listeners will be how we find the common ground. Often we see the world closer in reach than we think we do. </p><p>Meetings: Sometimes it takes some uncomfortable conversations that result in good work being done. Sometimes keeping the peace can result in rules being violated, investigations and conflict being much more combative than if a person had raised a concern to begin with.</p><p>Lateral Engagement: Look at the leadership that is adjacent to you. Don't manuever with higher ambitions motivating you and don't move as a dictator would to speak lower to those under you. Find common leadership so that delegation is a partnership. </p><p>The GOP Data Center: Find ways to access your precincts database and be a part of the groundwork that gets people registered, excited and engaged. </p><p>Gratitude: Always look over to those who seek to go above and beyond. We are quick to complain but often leave out the gratitude we have for our fellow workers.</p><p>Concrete: Please keep your arguments to concrete facts. Bring out a chapter and verse to back your arguments and if you do not have one hold your statement until you do. Use your by-laws, constitution, SREC Rules, and platform to help construct your arguments.</p><p>Inspire One ANother- Your work should be with personal motives in check. Make sure you are doing things for your community as well as yourself not just for your own benefit. </p><p>When we want to connect:</p><p>Listen without intent to respond</p><p> Only respond to what someone has said</p><p>Mirror what others have said</p><p>The 5 rules for constructive communication:</p><p>Do not use blame, criticism, accusation, punishment or humiliation</p><p>Decide in advance what you want to accomplish</p><p>Say only what you need to say, nothing else</p><p>Don’t ask questions that don’t have actual answers</p><p>Always be ready to stop when things get too heated</p><p>Stay away from subjective arguments:</p><p>Play your arguments out loud. Steer away from arguments that are broad or emotional. Be specific and clear.</p><p>To go over social moral codes review the Podcast Video listed to this blog for the full breakdown and sample arguments. </p><p><br></p>
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